The Story of Hops

This episode is a narrated article written by the host Nathan Vadeboncoeur that chronicles the history of hops, from their initial use as a medicinal herb in ancient times to their pivotal role in transforming beer brewing. It traces hops' journey through medieval Europe, where monastic breweries and Charlemagne's influence propelled their adoption, and subsequently to their importance in the rise of commercial brewing, especially in England and Germany. The narrative further explores the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting periods of both immense popularity and near collapse for hops, ultimately culminating in their resurgence during the modern craft beer revolution. You can follow our host's brewery Project Hop on Instagram and its website.